Big Brothers Big Sisters

A Program That Works!  Independent research has proven that children matched with a Big Brother/Big Sister are:  46% less likely to use drugs, 27% less likely to start using alcohol, 52% less likely to skip school, and 33% less likely to hit someone, more confident in school performance, get along better with family and friends.

Our goals are simple-to develop caring, confident, and competent children that stay in school, off drugs, and out of trouble, by matching them with the caring, consistent, safe role models they need.

Volunteer

Make Room in Your Life for One More Friend

All over Oklahoma there are children waiting for that special person who can bring some magic into their lives.  That person could be YOU!  Volunteering to be a Big Brother or Big Sister is fun, flexible and easy!  And you can choose the program that fits you best.  Being a 'Big' is one of the most rewarding and enjoyable things you will ever do.  Oklahoma's children and its communities will benefit from these friendships more than you will ever know.  Just a few hours of your time can make a BIG difference in the life of a child!

By volunteering you commit to being a positive, consistent, caring mentor and friend to a child. You will develop a trusting relationship that provides opportunities for fun, shared activities, learning life skills, and chances to participate in community service projects.
All prospective volunteers are screened through an application, background checks, character references, and personal interviews. Upon approval, the volunteer will be matched with a child based on personality, common interests, the child's needs and the volunteer's strengths. A professional match support specialist will provide ongoing support throughout the match.

Bowl for Kids' Sake

Bowl for Kids' Sake...it's about kids!
Each year, thousands of bowlers across Oklahoma come together to raise money and support Big Brothers Big Sisters in its efforts to help children.

Get in the game!
The money you raise can help support one match for an entire year and help us match many other children with a Big Brother or Sister.  Bowl for Kids' Sake is easy.  Here's what you need to do:

Register--sign up your company, organization, or team online or by calling your local office.
Raise money--ask your friends, family, co-workers, anybody!  Encourage them to donate online!
Bowl--We want to thank you for helping us continue our success!  Relax, bowl, and enjoy spending time with your team on us.

Bargain Thrift Store

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Oklahoma (BBBSOK) is partnering with Bargain Thrift Store.  For years, Bargain Thrift Store has partnered with non-profit organizations like Prevent Blindness and the Oklahoma Foundation for the Disabled, and now BBBSOK.

The store solicits from their existing list of donors for items to benefit BBBSOK, and from the sale of those items, the store is donating 7% to the agency. BBBSOK has also encouraged its supporters to call Bargain Thrift Store to arrange to have their used clothing or home items picked up. Seven percent of the sale of those items will also be donated to BBBSOK.

To make arrangements to donate clothing or other household items, contact Bargain Thrift Store at 1-866-OK PICKUP (866-657-4258)

The generosity of Bargain Thrift Store will help BBBSOK to fulfill its goal of making more matches possible between Bigs and Littles. The agency's primary mission is always to enable children to reach their potential through professionally supported one-to-one relationships. BBBSOK thrives with on the commitment of its volunteers, and also on the investment of individual and corporate donors.

For additional volunteer, contribution and partnership opportunities please go to http://www.bbbsok.org/norman for more information about events, fundraisers, and activities visit http://www.bbbsok.org/

Thank you to Candie Westbrook, Sales Representative at the NCED Conference Center & Hotel, who serves on the Community Activism Team, for writing this blog about the Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Norman.